Legislative Council, Tuesday 26 November 2024

Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for INFRASTRUCURE, Mr VINCENT

As you know, the Bass Highway is a long section of highway and when you head up there to look at the poor condition of the section between Smithton and Marrawah, could you take particular note of the sections that have been more recently completed? You will note areas around Wynyard, in particular the section between Flowerdale and Boat Harbour including the section that includes the intersection with Tollymore Road. The storm events caused damage to many of our roads but this section is very new and is now patched up with some even larger potholes appearing and persisting.

What is the plan to repair this and other sections more fully to reduce the workload of our overworked car bodyworks and RACT roadside assistance teams called out to many tyre punctures? Will this work be done before winter?

ANSWER

Mr President, I thank the member for the question. I would welcome any photographs or key points on a map in association with the road so that I may identify them when I do travel up there to see them. Over lunch I met with the department regarding some of the upcoming Budget requirements and the way they go about assessing some of these road maintenance issues or heavy patching areas that might need doing.

Ms Forrest - Or brand new road.

Mr VINCENT - It is different if it is a brand new road because you can put that straight back to the maintenance of the contractor who has done it. However, when it is ongoing there are these issues in various areas around the state. We are identifying them and working with the contractors who do that work, to establish whether it is just isolated potholes, whether it is a heavy break-up area or whether it is an area that needs a lot more 'recon' work being done. I am very happy to work with you in that area. I always allow time in my travels now to stop and have a look at a few of those things. I am happy to work in with you on those things.

I cannot determine where it is going to fit between now and winter, but obviously we have a six- to seven month window of opportunity for doing a lot of that work where the temperature is right, where the drying out and the ability to do reseals or re-establish hot mix is at an optimum.

We have a pretty heavy schedule coming up. I cannot make commitments on that, but I am happy to look at all things and get back to you when I can. Thank you.

Ms Forrest - I will send you the addresses.

Mr VINCENT - Thank you.